Pure Joy

I have been memorizing Habakkuk 3:17-19 lately, and I discovered something this week about it. It begins with the "what-ifs" of life, like fig trees not blossoming and herds not in stalls. For me that would be house burning down and husband losing job. Or maybe the supper burning and me losing my slippers. What would it be for you?

But in the midst of what-iffing, Habakkuk commits to (multiple choice): 1) resignation, an Eeyore response, 2) contentment, a Winnie response, or 3) rejoicing, a Tigger response. Think carefully now.

And the winner is: rejoicing! Just listen to this--Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will take joy in the God of my salvation. Why? God the Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer's; he makes me tread on my high places. Is this not amazing?

When all is lost, and hope is gone, and the sheep have all been eaten, I will find joy in God. Because God has done profound things for me, even if He hasn't kept my stalls full. He has given salvation! He has been my strength! He can be trusted with my future. Remember that Job said, "Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him", and "I know that my Redeemer lives!" What God has done for me (just look at Psalm 103 again, if you're forgotten) far outweighs what might happen to me in this life. I can rejoice in God, my awesome Savior.